The Mumbai Police have detained television actor Pearl V Puri. In Vasai, he was detained in connection with the rape of a juvenile.

“The incident is old,” Sanjay Patil, DCP Zone 2, Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar, said, “but the 17-year-old minor victim came to us with her mother at the police station and we registered a case under Section 376 (rape) of the IPC and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act, 2012.” Pearl has been remanded in police custody by a Vasai court, according to Patil. He refused to say anything else because the matter is under the POCSO Act.

Anita Hassanandani, Pearl’s Naagin 3 co-star, spoke out in support of him. She captioned a pic of herself with him on Instagram, ” “I awoke to some bizarre news about @pearlvpuri. I’m familiar with him! It’s not true… it can’t be true…. it’s all a lie. I’m sure there’s more to it than that. And the truth will soon be revealed. @pearlvpuri #ISTANDWITHPEARL I adore you.”

Pearl is most known for her roles in the shows Naagin 3, Naagarjuna Ek Yoddha, and Bepanah Pyaar. He most recently appeared in Brahmarakshas 2 as Angad Mehra.

In 2013, he made his television debut in Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat, followed by Phir Bhi Na Maane… Dil Badtameez.